Roasted Orange Chicken – Sweet, Savory, & Juicy

If you love a perfectly roasted chicken with a bright, citrusy twist, this Roasted Orange Chicken recipe is your new go-to. The combination of sweet orange glaze, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a succulent, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this chicken is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. A simple oven roast elevates the chicken with a natural caramelized flavor, while the orange glaze adds a refreshing, tangy-sweet element that pairs beautifully with the meat.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 8 drumsticks)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Orange Glaze:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh orange slices
• Chopped parsley or thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Chicken:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Chicken (Optional for Extra Crispiness):
   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
3. Make Orange Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey, garlic, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
4. Roast Chicken:
   Brush half of the glaze over chicken. Roast in preheated oven 25–30 minutes (depending on size) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, brush with remaining glaze.
5. Finish & Serve:
   Remove chicken from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh orange slices and herbs. Extra glaze can be drizzled over the top.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Orange Chicken

• Dry chicken skin: Patting chicken dry ensures crispier skin.
• Use fresh orange juice: Fresh juice and zest brighten the flavor.
• Glaze in layers: Brushing halfway through roasting helps caramelize the glaze without burning.
• Make ahead: Glaze can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.

Roasted Orange Chicken

Juicy oven-roasted chicken with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, perfect for easy dinners and family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Modern

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Orange Glaze

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice about 1 large orange
• 1 orange zest 1 orange
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
• pinch red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
4. Brush half of glaze over chicken. Roast 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), brushing with remaining glaze halfway through.
5. Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh orange slices and herbs. Drizzle extra glaze on top before serving.

Notes

Glaze can be prepared a day ahead. Chicken is best served immediately after roasting.

Variations

• Spicy Citrus: Add 1/2 tsp chili powder or more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Honey-Lime Twist: Replace half the orange juice with lime juice for a tangy variation.
• Vegetable Bed: Roast chicken on a bed of carrots, onions, and bell peppers to absorb glaze flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, or quinoa to soak up the glaze.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for a light contrast.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an elegant presentation.

Fun Facts / Cultural Context

Citrus-glazed poultry is inspired by both Mediterranean and Asian cooking traditions. Sweet and savory glazes balance richness with brightness, making the dish versatile and widely appealing. Roasting with skin-on chicken helps render fat, producing a golden, crispy exterior while keeping meat juicy. This recipe is perfect for festive dinners or weeknight meals where flavor matters.

Why This Recipe Works

• Sweet and savory balance: Honey and orange juice complement chicken naturally.
• Tender, juicy meat: Roasting at high heat locks in moisture.
• Easy preparation: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
• Versatile & impressive: Works for family meals or entertaining.

Enjoy this Roasted Orange Chicken as a centerpiece for a flavorful and memorable meal.